Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan at times exhibit lower water quality due to a build-up of sediment, nutrients or bacteria. The seasonality of water quality problems is illustrated by elevated bacteria in the Kenepuru Sound during summer corresponding to the influx of holiday makers, and elevated nutrient loading coinciding with winter run-off in the lower Kaituna Valley, lower Pelorus and Rai Valley areas. While in many instances reduced water quality is of little significance apart from indicating a possible future problem, there are occasions where it has not been of a satisfactory standard to allow contact recreation activities or the gathering of aquatic fish and plants. The Kaituna and Rai Valleys and the Kenepuru and Inner Queen Charlotte Sounds have been identified through observation and measurement as being more susceptible than other areas to contamination. Of principal concern for the waterways of the Lower Kaituna and Rai Valleys has been levels of bacteria and to some extent nitrogen originating from agricultural activities. In the Kenepuru and Ngakuta/ Momorangi Bay areas levels of bacteria from effluent disposal systems reach high levels during the summer tourist season. The Marlborough Regional Policy Statement has emphasised the importance of freshwater quality by setting as an objective that it should be maintained at a level which provides for the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. This document also recognises that a long-term strategy is necessary to meet this standard. Because these catchments and the freshwater bodies within them all drain into the coastal waters of the Marlborough Sounds, any degraded freshwater will also affect coastal ecosystems and compound any coastal water quality problem. It is important to maintain satisfactory water quality within the source areas. Degradation of water quality may be related to land use and waste disposal practices. Consequently, it is necessary to control point source discharges which directly contaminate freshwater, and correct land use practices which indirectly contribute pollutants. At present these land-based activities have contributed to a minor degradation in water quality in most areas. To avoid further reductions in water quality and to improve standards in other areas such as the Lower Kaituna Valley, it is necessary to change some land use practices. Refer also to Chapter 13 (Soil Conservation) and Chapter 14 (Discharges to Land). 3.2.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Maintenance and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems and the management of the effects of activities on water quality in wetlands, lakes and rivers that enables: a) Contact water recreation; b) Food gathering; or c) Cultural integrity. Policy 1.1 Avoid the direct or indirect discharge of untreated sewage or industrial/ trade waste to freshwater. Policy 1.2 Avoid the discharge of contaminants into freshwater where it will modify, damage or destroy any significant ecological value. 3 - 2